Manu Bhaker, Gukesh among four athletes to receive Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award: Sports Ministry

Manu Bhaker, Gukesh among four athletes to receive Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award: Sports Ministry

Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and chess world champion D. Gukesh are among four athletes honoured with the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s Sports Ministry announced on Thursday.

Manu made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian since Independence to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Games. She earned a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event and secured another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh, making her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal.

Indian chess had a stellar year in 2024, marked by unprecedented achievements. The highlight was 18-year-old D. Gukesh’s crowning moment as he broke Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record to become the youngest World Chess Champion. His decisive 14th-round victory over China’s Ding Liren in Singapore secured his place among the sport’s legends.

Men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who led India to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and a title victory in the Asian Champions Trophy, and Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar have both been honoured with the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.

Additionally, the Ministry announced 32 recipients for the Arjuna Award, including 17 para-athletes.